10 Best Backpack Coolers 2025 in the United States

The YETI Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler is a great choice if you want a hands-free way to carry drinks or food while keeping them cold. It holds about 18 cans or 26 pounds of ice, which suits small outings or day trips. Thanks to its ColdCell insulation, it does a solid job keeping your items chilly for hours. Its DryHide shell material is tough and resistant to punctures and sun damage, making it durable enough for outdoor adventures. The MagShield Access feature uses magnets to keep the cooler sealed tight against leaks but also lets you open it easily, which is handy.

At around 3.4 kilograms (or 7.5 pounds), it's not the lightest backpack but carries comfortably due to smart design and multiple handles. The built-in HitchPoint Grid is a nice touch, allowing you to attach extra gear like toolkits or bottle openers. On the downside, its 6.3-liter capacity might feel limited if you need to carry larger loads or longer trips. Also, while waterproof and leak-resistant, you should avoid submerging it fully in water.

This backpack cooler suits campers, hikers, or anyone needing a reliable, portable cooler that blends durability and ease of use without being overly bulky.

The YETI Hopper M12 Backpack Soft Sided Cooler in Charcoal is designed for those who need to keep their beverages or ice cold while having their hands free. With the capacity to carry up to 20 cans or 12 pounds of ice, it offers ample storage for a day trip or a small gathering. The MAGSHIELD Access feature is a standout, with durable magnets that provide an ultra leak-resistant seal, making it easy to open and close the cooler securely. The closed-cell foam insulation, known as COLDCELL, ensures impressive cold retention, keeping your items frosty for extended periods.

The high-density DRYHIDE Shell material enhances durability by resisting punctures and UV rays, which is vital for outdoor use. Comfort is addressed with its backpack design, distributing weight evenly for easier carrying. Additionally, the external Kangaroo Pocket provides convenient storage for small essentials like phones, keys, or condiments. Weighing approximately 3.06 kilograms, it is relatively lightweight for its size and capacity.

However, some users might find the weight a bit heavy when fully loaded, especially over long distances. The price point may also be a consideration, as YETI products tend to be on the higher end. Ideal for campers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, this cooler combines functionality with durability but may not be necessary for casual users who need a simpler and more affordable option.

The Ninja FrostVault Go 36 Can Backpack Cooler is a solid choice for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or picnics. It can hold a good amount — up to 36 cans without ice or 24 cans with ice — making it roomy enough for a day trip. Its standout feature is the FrostVault technology, which includes a cold dry zone designed to keep food separate and dry while staying chilled at fridge-like temperatures for hours. The insulation is strong enough to retain ice for up to 24 hours, which is great for keeping drinks and perishables cool throughout the day. The ChillSeal lid offers the convenience of easy access with the option to fully zip for leakproof protection, reducing spills during movement.

Carrying comfort is well addressed with padded back support and ergonomic straps, though the cooler weighs around 6.4 pounds, which is average for this size but might feel a bit heavy once fully loaded. Made from durable polyester and backed by a 3-year warranty, it’s built to last and handle outdoor conditions. It is water-resistant but not fully waterproof, so it should be kept out of heavy rain. Additional thoughtful touches include a built-in bottle opener and two ice packs included in the package. The multiple compartments help organize food and drinks, making it easier to grab items without digging through ice.

On the downside, the soft shell design may not protect fragile items as well as hard coolers, and while the leakproof zipper helps, extreme rough use might still risk spills. This product is a versatile, comfortable, and well-insulated backpack cooler suited for casual outdoor users who want a dependable cooler with smart features.